BLYTHE, Calif – Border Patrol agents in Blythe stopped a 2016 Hyundai for an immigration inspection early Wednesday and, during the subsequent search, located a small amount of marijuana wax, drug paraphernalia, a loaded firearm, and a Ziploc bag containing $70,000.

Agents stopped the vehicle at approximately 8:00 a.m. in the vicinity of Lovekin Boulevard and Rice Street. After questioning the driver, later identified as a 21-year-old U.S. citizen, agents obtained assistance from a Riverside County Sherriff’s canine unit to search the vehicle. Agents arrested the driver. The vehicle and contraband are being processed per Yuma Sector guidelines.

An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt.

Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents effectively combat smuggling organizations attempting to illegally transport people and contraband through southwestern Arizona and California. Citizens can help the Border Patrol and U.S. Customs and Border Protection by calling 1-866-999-8727 toll-free to report suspicious activity. Callers can remain anonymous.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP strives to keep terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.